In Every Issue

The C of I Model UN wins Most Outstanding Delegation in NYC

In an unprecedented performance, The College of Idaho Model UN Team earned a “Most Outstanding Delegation” award at the 2009 National Model United Nations Conference (NMUN) held last week in New York City. Political economy associate professor Rob Dayley took a team of 11 students to the conference.

Only 14 of the 190 schools at the five-day conference were awarded such distinction, the highest possible award given. The C of I was the only school from the Pacific Northwest recognized. In honor of their achievement, The C of I delegation, representing Cambodia, was asked to stand in applause on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly Hall at closing ceremonies.

“It is a remarkable achievement,” said Dayley, who noted that some colleges prepare for months. “Our students do well because they are skilled analytically, are comfortable debating political issues, and know how to write well and work collaboratively.”

The international conference includes over 3,000 delegates from liberal arts colleges and universities from around the world. With their accomplishment, The C of I cracked the top tier of elite schools who are perennial winners at the conference such as Austin College, University of Montreal, UC Berkeley, Florida International, BYU and Alma College.

To win the highest award, a delegation must demonstrate excellence in all committees in which they participate. Students spend over 50 hours in sessions from Tuesday to Saturday and work from morning until midnight on negotiations and resolution writing. Awards are based on accurate representation of a country’s positions, proper use of MUN procedure, and excellence in diplomacy during committee.

Leading the way for the C of I were veterans from last year’s award winning delegation: Kaite Justice, Jesse Holmes, and Jesus Tarifa (head delegate).

Dayley said it was a team effort and that there were several outstanding moments, including:

Kaite Justice being selected by committee directors to serve as Rappateur for the General Assembly 2nd Committee. In a C of I first, Justice chaired a session of her committee, a body that included representation from all 190 schools.

Jesse Holmes serving on the G.A. Plenary covering the topic of United Nations Reform. Holmes was a chief sponsor of a resolution to reform ECOSOC that passed by the widest margin among all 15 resolutions that were adopted in the body.

Jesus Tarifa and Brian Weiss leading a bloc of developing countries in the WTO Ministerial Committee and writing an important report segment on greater transparency in trade negotiations.

Brenden Hoffman and Kara Myers leading deliberations on strategies to address the food crisis, offering multiple speeches from the floor that won praise from fellow delegates in the Economic and Social Council-Asia Pacific (ESCAP).

Dorgham Abusalim and Roshan Roghani teaming up to lead work in the G.A. 1st Committee covering the topic of illicit trafficking of nuclear material.

Amy Bennett, on the G.A. 2nd Committee, contributing to her bloc’s resolution on climate change.

Jessie Barnes and Victoria Hess heading a diverse bloc of countries drafting resolutions on the topic of improving UN humanitarian response in the G.A. 3rd Committee.

“Their performance reflects the quality of education The C of I provides its students,” Dayley said.

The Idaho History Day 2009 statewide competition was held Friday, April 10, hosted by the The C of I and its history department.

Steven Maughan, chair of the history department, served as a lead judge for the competition, delivered the keynote address at the awards presentation, and delivered three scholarships to The C of I to competition winners: Silas Dorny of Kellogg High School ($20,000), Rebecca Quick of Riverstone Community School ($10,000), and Jon Atkinson of The Community School in Ketchum ($5,000). In addition, 275 student participants received $500 campus discovery scholarships for their participation in this year’s event.

This year’s theme, “The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies,” brought finalists in the six regional competitions and their families from across the state to campus to deliver historical papers, documentaries, exhibits, websites and performances.

“Idaho History Day fosters academic achievement, intellectual growth, and knowledge and love of history,” Maughan said. “It’s an exciting way for students from grades 4 to 12 to study and learn about historical issues, ideas, people, and events. Those demonstrating the greatest research, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills will move on to compete at the National History Day Competition in Washington, D.C. in June.

National History Day helps teachers more effectively teach classes and challenges students to develop critical skills that they will need to be effective citizens in the 21st century. Professionals from all areas volunteer their time to assess, listen and speak to students, and judge the projects.

Remembering The C of I through estate planning

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is now.

Alumni and friends of The College of Idaho periodically contact the development office to find out how to include the College in their estate plans. This can be accomplished in many ways, but the easiest method is through a bequest.

Types of bequests:

A specific bequest leaves the beneficiary a specified amount of money or a particular item, such as a vacation home.

A residuary bequest disposes of all or a portion of assets remaining after everything specified in your estate has been distributed.

A contingent bequest designates that a beneficiary receives all or some of your estate dependent on a specific condition.

“Most wills are neither difficult nor expensive to prepare,” said Boone Fund coordinator Chuck Knox (‘72), who assists alumni with bequests to the College. “Unfortunately, many people put off doing so until it’s too late. Taking the time – planting the tree – now can result in their wishes being carried out in a way that reflects their values and goals exactly.”

Sample bequest language:

Specific – “I leave the sum of $10,000 to The College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho.”

Residuary – “I leave 10 percent of all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho.”

Contingent – “I give $10,000 to my nephew, John, if he is living, otherwise to The College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho.”

For questions or information on supporting the College through your will or another planned gift arrangement, please call Knox at (208) 459-5405 or visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.

Successful Specht dinner raises more than $1,000

More than 65 alumni and friends attended the annual Franklin Specht Pasta Feed, which was held last weekend. More than $1,000 was raised for the Specht Scholarship Fund, which benefits a history student annually.

Specht was a history professor at the College from 1958-1989 and lives in Sunny Slope outside of Caldwell.

Trustee Ron Bitner (‘68) provided Bitner wines for the event, which featured a label designed by college archivist Jan Boles (‘65).

Maughan said he and the others in the history department always look forward to spring.

“First we get to see Franklin and test the famous clam sauce once more,” he said. “Then, in a few weeks, we get to celebrate the graduation of our seniors at a barbecue out at Frank’s house. It’s a wonderful thing to have our legendary historian so handy, and at such a magnificent time of year.”

Student News

O’Rourke and Johansen to present psychology paper at New Mexico conference

Two psychology students, Tammi O’Rourke and Matt Johansen, have had a research paper accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association in Albuquerque, N.M. on April 18.

The title of the paper is “Does ‘Mommy Dearest’ predict if Fido will sleep in your bed or backyard? Attachment Theory as it relates to the Human-Pet Relationship.” The research was done with psychology faculty Jill Haunold and Jann Adams in collaboration with Coryanne Hutchinson and Mary Pritchard from Boise State University.

The research is a continuation of a project started in 2007 on the human-pet relationship. O’Rourke and Johansen also received a C of I Student Research Grant for their project.

Conley poem published in literary journal

A poem by student Keats Conley called “Glaucoma” has been published in Metaphor, a literary journal produced by Weber State University. Conley recently presented the poem at the National Undergraduate Literature Conference, and it was selected for publication in the journal as one of the truly exceptional pieces presented at the conference.

Upcoming campus events

Annual Toast to The C of I is Saturday

Students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and friends of the College are invited to the 8th Annual Toast to The C of I with the Kappa Sigmas on Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m.in the Langroise foyer.

The event is formal and includes dancing, appetizers and a cash bar for those over 21. Admission is free and donations to the Jeanne Hoover Scholarship Fund are encouraged.

Whittenberger Planetarium show April 20

The International Year of Astronomy is being recognized through the spring at the Whittenberger Planetarium. The next show is April 20 to see the current night sky and deep space objects visible in April.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $4 for adults and $2 for children 5-18. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please make them by calling JoAnn Bellon at 459-5211.

The planetarium is located in Boone Science Building.

Davis Projects for Peace fundraising dinner April 20

A fundraising dinner and silent auction for Kaitlyn Justice’s Davis Project for Peace will be held Monday, April 20 in Simplot Dining Hall. The silent auction and social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15. Entertainment includes African dances and a presentation about Tanzania.

Justice was awarded a $10,000 Davis Project for Peace grant to “adopt” a rural primary school outside of Arusha, Tanzania. Justice will travel to Tanzania this summer to train local teachers, improve their living quarters, renovate the school and purchase classroom materials.

Spring 2009 Foreign Policy Speaker on April 21

The C of I political economy department presents “Foreign Policy Challenges Facing the Obama Administration” by Maurice East from George Washington University as part of its Foreign Policy Speakers Series on Tuesday, April 21 from11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hendren Board Room in Sterry Hall.

East has served as president of the International Studies Association and was senior fellow at the Strategic Concepts Development Center of the U.S. Department of Defense. At GWU, East teaches courses on international politics theory, comparative foreign policy, and introductory world politics. His publications include “Diplomacy and Developing Nations,” “Why Nations Act,” “The Analysis of International Politics,” and numerous articles on small states’ foreign policy-making. The visit is sponsored by the Boise Committee on Foreign Relations.

Langroise Trio concerts April 24-25

April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy in Boise. Admission is $10 adults and $5 for students and seniors.

April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Langroise Recital Hall. Admission is free.

The concerts will include works by Tovey (cello and piano), Gliere (suite for violin and double bass), Clarke (sonata for viola and piano, 1st movement) and Vaughn Williams (piano quintet).

The Trio are The College of Idaho’s artists-in-residence and are Geoffrey Trabichoff, violin; David Johnson, viola; and Samuel Smith, cello. Featured guest artists will be Robyn Wells, piano; and Jack Koncel, double bass; Corey McKnight, counter tenor; and Jim Cockey, composer.

Life after The C of I: Where are we now?

Keep in touch with The C of I by sharing your news with the Alumni Office.

Brian Attebery (‘74) professor of English at Idaho State University has been awarded the 2009 Pilgrim Award from the Science Fiction Research Association. The Pilgrim Award is a lifetime award, given annually to an individual whose body of work contributes significantly to the study of science fiction and fantasy.

Stephanie Ann Bohon (‘90) was recently appointed director of the Center for the Study of Social Justice at the University of Tennessee.

Duane Elgin (‘66) recently published “The Living Universe” which explores the convergence of science and spirituality. To learn more about the book and to view a short video introducing its themes, visit Duane’s website by clicking here.

Bradly Ford (‘76) has been appointed by Gov. Butch Otter (‘67) as an Idaho district judge. Ford was formerly a Canyon County magistrate judge. His son John Ford graduated from The C of I in 2008 and his daughter Leah (Ford) Provencio graduated in 1999.

Alumni Events

For more information about the events listed below, call the Alumni Office (208) 459-5770 or email. The C of I Alumni calendar is also available online.

April 16: Resume Polishing: How to Write a Winning Resume in Today’s Economy, Beside Bardenay in Boise at 5:30 p.m.Dora Gallegos, Director of the Center for Experiential Learning, will be hosting an evening session for alumni who are employed and those who are looking to review and revamp their resumes. Using a method she calls STAR, Dora will teach you how to apply behavioral interviewing strategy to improve the effectiveness of your resume. Guests are invited to bring a laptop (wifi provided).

April 17: Family Date Night at Rafiki in Boise on State Street. Discounts will be given to all alumni and family from 4-7 p.m. Rafiki is a family-friendly coffee shop and juice bar that is equipped with padded floors, couches, and play areas for various age groups.

April 24-25: Kappa Sigma Founder’s Day: Help celebrate the brothers’ 30th anniversary. For more information on events, please contact Rich Hatch by email.

Reminders:

Alumni merchandise available from C of I online bookstore

Alumni merchandise including sweatshirts, license plate frames and school spirit house flags can now be ordered online. Alumni receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases made at the store, online or over the phone. To receive the discount when ordering online or by phone, please contact bookstore manager Mary Brown by email. The license plate frames and house flags pictured must be ordered directly from Mary by phone at 459-5407 or email.

Donations to honor Boyd Henry go to mathematics scholarship

Those who would like to honor professor emeritus Boyd Henry, who died in February can make gifts to the College’s Mathematics Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a student who has financial need and is majoring in math. Contributions to the scholarship can be made online and should be designated for the Mathematics Scholarship.

Political economy chair Jasper LiCalzi, English and journalism instructor Alan Minskoff, and C of I family advisory council co-chair Paul Hosefros have blogs available.LiCalzi’s is about Idaho politics and available through the Idaho Statesman. Minskoff and Hosefros are writing and photographing “Western Wine Adventures”on NewWest.net. Minskoff is writing “The Year of Drinking Locally,” which chronicles their travels throughout Idaho, and Hosefros is detailing their work from the photographer’s angle in “Vantage Point.”

“Immigrant Shadows: Tracing the Herders’ Legacy,” featuring the work of Boise artists Amy Nack and Earle Swope is at the Rosenthal Gallery on The C of I campus until April 25. The show is an installation that reflects their research into and interpretation of Basque tree carvings, also known as arborglyphs. The Rosenthal Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. To make an appointment, emailGarth Claassen or call him at 459-5321. The show is funded by the Boise City Arts Council.

Idaho license plates with The College of Idaho name and logo are sold for $35 the first year they are purchased, which is in addition to the annual vehicle registration fee. They are $25 plus annual fees for each subsequent renewal. The College of Idaho receives $25 from the sale of new plates and $15 from each renewal, which goes to its scholarship and academic programs. Personalized and sample license plates can be ordered online. Non-personalized plates are available at any county auto licensing office in Idaho.